Red-winged blackbird • Agelaius phoeniceus

IdentificationThe male red-winged blackbird ​is distinctive and embodies its name: it has glossy black plumage with a bright red and yellow patch on each shoulder. This colouring is easily seen when wings are folded and when they are spread in flight. The female's streaky brown and tan plumage gives it the appearance of a large sparrow; she may have hints of reddish shoulder patches as well, but these are less distinctive, are streaked, and are much less obvious when the wings are folded. There is also a pinkish or orangish wash to the female's face and throat. The juvenile male colouring is black with a hint of orange at each shoulder, and orange-edged feathers. Click here to listen to the red-winged blackbird's songs and calls.

Habitat & Range​​The red-winged blackbird can be found in open habitats in or near wetlands. It nests in marshes, swamps, and wet fields, and ventures to fields, pastures, mudflats, and other open areas to feed and in flocks outside the breeding season. It is found across most of North America at some point during the year, except for northern Canada. Its presence on the Central Coast has been listed as during the breeding season only, and alternatively as year-round with its year-round range extending north to coastal Alaska.

Find more information at the British Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas here.​ Intriguing InfoBreeding male red-winged blackbirds are very territorial, not only attacking other males and nest predators but larger animals as well, including horses and humans. They also spend much of their time singing. One male will have up to 15 female mates, all with their nests in his territory.